President Radev talks with his Israeli counterpart: Bulgaria supports peaceful solution to Gaza conflict

Bulgaria supports and is part of the international efforts for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the resumption of dialogue and a peaceful solution to the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible. This is what Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev said in a telephone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the Head of State's press secretariat said on April 2.

The conversation between the presidents took place on the occasion of the postponed visit of the head of state Isaac Herzog to Bulgaria due to the domestic political situation in our country. The focus of the talks was the military action in the Middle East following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October last year and the humanitarian crisis for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

Radev recalled that from the very beginning of the conflict, Bulgaria had strongly condemned the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and condemned the taking of hostages.

In his words, the State of Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism, but at the same time Radev expressed his deep concern about the unprecedented number of civilian casualties and the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on Israel to find a way to guarantee the lives of the civilian population.

"Bulgaria shares the European Council's call for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance," the statement said.

Radev also added that there are two people of Bulgarian origin among the hostages held by Hamas. The situation with the crew of the ship "Galaxy Leader" detained off the coast of Yemen, which includes two Bulgarian citizens, was also discussed during the conversation.